The Western star’s 14-karat gold signet ring sold for six times its low estimate following a bidding war at U.K. auction house Elmwood’s.
Plumb Club Hires Michael O’Connor as Marketing Director
The industry veteran’s experience spans more than 35 years and includes roles in retail, manufacturing and design.

New York—The Plumb Club has hired industry veteran Michael O’Connor as its marketing director, effective immediately.
In his new role, O’Connor will work with the executive team to create, develop and implement its strategic marketing plan, including communication and PR strategies.
He also will support the organization’s current programs, projects, and events.
O’Connor has been in the industry for more than 35 years and has experience across a variety of categories, including retail, manufacturing and design, with a focus for the past three decades on strategic marketing.
He has held positions as director of corporate marketing for Frederick Goldman, Inc., as well as senior vice president for Platinum Guild International USA and chief marketing officer of Christopher Designs.
O’Connor also has been president of his own firm, Style & Substance, working with clients such as The Couture Show, Rio Tinto, PGI, Benchmark, Leo Schachter, HSN and JTV.
He’s also known in television media as an industry expert, appearing on numerous shows like Today, ET, Extra, Access Hollywood, QVC, and other programs across the country.
“We were thrilled to be able to bring on someone of Michael’s caliber and experience to head up our marketing,” Plumb Club President Michael Lerche said. “We believe that his knowledge of the industry and understanding of our vision and objectives, combined with his proven track record will help us achieve our goals.”
O’Connor added: “I’ve already had the great opportunity to work with The Plumb Club and many of its prestigious members. I’m excited to help the organization with their vision of shaping the future of the jewelry industry.”
The Latest

The discussion, "Rebuilding the Jewelry Workforce," will take place on Saturday, May 16, in Troy, Michigan.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

A matching pair of 18.38-carat, D-color diamonds from Botswana’s Jwaneng mine sold for $3.3 million, the top lot of the jewelry auction.


Sponsored by A Diamond Is Forever

The next generation of lapidarists are entrepreneurial, engaged online, and see the craft as a means for artistic expression.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

It was the second auction appearance for the fancy vivid blue-green diamond, which sold for $7.8 million at Christie’s Geneva 12 years ago.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force took a 22-year-old man into custody. He was charged with tampering with evidence.

While the overall number of crimes was down, there were more incidences in which robbers pulled out guns, mace, or rammed cars into stores.

Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry is closing its store inside the downtown shopping center after 40 years in business.

Reena Ahluwalia’s painting of the rare red diamond is the first contemporary painting to join the National Gem Collection.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

Peter Smith gives tips on leading meetings, developing marketing, and making trade show appointments in the age of short attention spans.

The 11-piece “Medallions” capsule collection features five motifs: a crying eye, a heart on fire, a spiral, a flower, and a swallow.

From Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.

The partners have announced the second cycle of the program, which has expanded to include a $25,000 student scholarship.

The owners of Staats Jewelers are heading into retirement.

Jeffrey Gennette, who retired in 2024 after 41 years with Macy’s, is the newest member of the jewelry retailer’s board of directors.

May babies are lucky to have emeralds, a gemstone admired for centuries, as their birthstone, writes Amanda Gizzi.

The new module allows retailers to plan, promote, and measure the success of events from a single dashboard.

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
























